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CSU Bakersfield Students Approve Referendum to Expand Student Union

February 26, 2018

California State University, Bakersfield students have approved a referendum to more than triple the size of the Student Union and build an aquatics facility, the University’s Associated Students, Inc. announced today. Students at CSUB Antelope Valley also will benefit from a number of campus improvements and additional access to CSUB activities.

A total of 1,768 students voted on the referendum, with 1,086 (61.4 percent) voting “yes” and 682 students (38.6) voting “no.”

“ASI recognized the need to improve student resources at CSUB,” said ASI President Mariela Gomez. “The #OURNEWSU campaign served to educate students in order for them to make the best-informed decision. Through a campus vote, ASI ensured students voices were heard. The fruition of the project will encourage student development, improve student life, provide exceptional services and advance the CSUB community. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work on this campaign to give students the power to leave a legacy and ultimately impact the future of our University.”

The total expansion will be approximately 80,000 square feet – about 40,000 for the two-story Student Union expansion and 40,000 for the new Student Recreation Center Aquatics Facility. The current 17,000-square-foot student union was originally built in May 1987 when the campus population was about 5,100. Since then, CSUB has grown to more 10,000 students.

The $37 million project -- $27 million for the Student Union and $10 million for the aquatics center – will be funded through a combination of sources, including student fees. Student fees for the Student Union expansion will increase by roughly $40 per semester in the first year and tier up to $160 per semester over a four-year period for the Student Union expansion. Fees for the SRC Aquatic Facility are roughly $20 per semester and will not tier. ASI leaders will meet soon with campus administrators to determine when the fee collection will begin. Students who currently receive financial aid will have all fees covered without any out-of-pocket expenses.

CSUB anticipates that the Student Union expansion will need three years of fee collection before the construction process can begin. Planning for the construction of the SRC Aquatic Facility, which will be located in the current dirt lot on Kroll Way across the street from parking lot K2 and next to the SRC soccer field, will begin immediately, and the timeline for completion will be determined after construction begins. Approximately 80-100 jobs will be created by the projects.

Features of the projects are:

Student Union

A flexible and large event space in the form of a ballroom that will be able to accommodate a capacity of 1,450 in theatre/lecture format and 800 in banquet;

12 conference rooms with a capacity of up to 100 in a theatre/lecture format and 50 in a meeting format;

A game room large enough to include gaming consoles, computer gaming and pool tables;

The CSUB Food Pantry, which will be moved from its current location near the student union;

A food prep area to include multiple microwaves;

Multiple lounge space with soft seating for students to use between classrooms or events;

A hallway lined with small study rooms/cubicles for studying, meeting preparation, and/or storage;

Club work space with a media room to collaborate on projects, presentations and events;

A loft feature lounge overlooking the first-floor lounge;

Additional state-of-the-art restrooms.

SRC Aquatics Facility

Student recreation pool with lap lanes;

Concessions area;

Showers/lockers;

Pool deck with shaded seating;

Outdoor event space;

Operation space;

With the facility, the SRC will be able to offer water-based Group X classes and intramurals.

California State University, Bakersfield students have approved a referendum to more than triple the size of the Student Union and build an aquatics facility, the University’s Associated Students, Inc. announced today. Students at CSUB Antelope Valley also will benefit from a number of campus improvements and additional access to CSUB activities.

A total of 1,768 students voted on the referendum, with 1,086 (61.4 percent) voting “yes” and 682 students (38.6) voting “no.”

“ASI recognized the need to improve student resources at CSUB,” said ASI President Mariela Gomez. “The #OURNEWSU campaign served to educate students in order for them to make the best-informed decision. Through a campus vote, ASI ensured students voices were heard. The fruition of the project will encourage student development, improve student life, provide exceptional services and advance the CSUB community. I am honored to have had the opportunity to work on this campaign to give students the power to leave a legacy and ultimately impact the future of our University.”

The total expansion will be approximately 80,000 square feet – about 40,000 for the two-story Student Union expansion and 40,000 for the new Student Recreation Center Aquatics Facility. The current 17,000-square-foot student union was originally built in May 1987 when the campus population was about 5,100. Since then, CSUB has grown to more 10,000 students.

The $37 million project -- $27 million for the Student Union and $10 million for the aquatics center – will be funded through a combination of sources, including student fees. Student fees for the Student Union expansion will increase by roughly $40 per semester in the first year and tier up to $160 per semester over a four-year period for the Student Union expansion. Fees for the SRC Aquatic Facility are roughly $20 per semester and will not tier. ASI leaders will meet soon with campus administrators to determine when the fee collection will begin. Students who currently receive financial aid will have all fees covered without any out-of-pocket expenses.

CSUB anticipates that the Student Union expansion will need three years of fee collection before the construction process can begin. Planning for the construction of the SRC Aquatic Facility, which will be located in the current dirt lot on Kroll Way across the street from parking lot K2 and next to the SRC soccer field, will begin immediately, and the timeline for completion will be determined after construction begins. Approximately 80-100 jobs will be created by the projects.

Features of the projects are:

Student Union

A flexible and large event space in the form of a ballroom that will be able to accommodate a capacity of 1,450 in theatre/lecture format and 800 in banquet;

12 conference rooms with a capacity of up to 100 in a theatre/lecture format and 50 in a meeting format;

A game room large enough to include gaming consoles, computer gaming and pool tables;

The CSUB Food Pantry, which will be moved from its current location near the student union;

A food prep area to include multiple microwaves;

Multiple lounge space with soft seating for students to use between classrooms or events;

A hallway lined with small study rooms/cubicles for studying, meeting preparation, and/or storage;

Club work space with a media room to collaborate on projects, presentations and events;

A loft feature lounge overlooking the first-floor lounge;

Additional state-of-the-art restrooms.

SRC Aquatics Facility

Student recreation pool with lap lanes;

Concessions area;

Showers/lockers;

Pool deck with shaded seating;

Outdoor event space;

Operation space;

With the facility, the SRC will be able to offer water-based Group X classes and intramurals.